Newbie Side sleeper recommendations

shastaron · Post by **shastaron** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 6:07 pm

3 weeks into CPAP First two weeks went well but I started having problems this week with leaks on my mask. The last two nights I barely got two hours straight sleep with out leaks waking me up. The only way I can get any rest is to lay on my back. I have a ComfortGel Nasal CPAP Mask.

I am looking for a recommendation on a nose mask for a side sleeper (due to old back injuries). I roll over a couple of times a night to ease my back, so need to be able to lay on either side.

I am currently set at 12.

Thanks, Ron

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Gerald · Post by **Gerald** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 7:45 pm

Ron......

I've been using the "Aura" for about a year....It works very well for side sleeping.

The "Aura" has had a bunch of different names in the last year or so.....but my list of equipment should show you a picture of it....and help you find it at CPAP.com.

As for the mouth breathing, I've been taping for the past 6-months or so....and it's working great. I'm using blue 3M Delicate Release masking tape...2" wide.....available from the paint department at Lowe's. The tape is assisted by a loop (one leg) of panty hose tights that goes around my head. The adhesive is gentle.....and the tights help prevent blow-outs by adding a little downward pressure on the tape.

I also use a liberal quantity of Lansenoh lanolin for breastfeeding moms....on my nares. This adds comfort....and helps the seal.

I'm very pleased with my rig.....and I'm not annoyed by it....as I go to sleep...or during the night. I have not found anything that'll work better for me.

My pressures are approx 10-14 cm..........and my AHI stays under 1.0 consistently.

Hope this helps.

Gerald

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 10:36 pm

It's now called the Aura Headrest or just the Headrest, you can go to cpap.com and type Headrest in the search box and itwill show you what it lookks like.

The Swift 11 is pretty good and another one is the Comfort Lite 11.

And Babette's favorite is the Nasal Aire 11! You can side sleep with all of these masks!

Goodluck searching for that perfect mask...

SleepyNoMore

wabmorgan · Post by **wabmorgan** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 1:32 am

I would recommend the Activa.

Belive me.... it won't leak.... even with the straps loose.

I'm a side sleeper too.... and I haven't found ANY mask that works as well as the Activa.

My only complaint is.... I do WISH they would make the Activa quiter. Hopefully a new revison of the mask will be quiter somewhere in the future.

Billmanweh · Post by **Billmanweh** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 2:17 am

I'm using the same mask as you and also sleep on my side and get leaks. I first tried switching down a size to a medium, but I'm still getting annoying little leaks sleeping on my side. So I'm also thinking of trying a new mask, I'll be curious to see some of the recommendations here.

givemesleep · Post by **givemesleep** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 1:23 pm

Hi Ron,

I use a FF mask (F&P 431) but I think my pillow has a lot to do with my comfort when sleping on my side. I use one of the curved tempurpedic (sp?) pillows. I use the wider end toward the front and I place my hand under my cheek. This keeps my head up and not smashed into a pillow. I find it very easy to turn in my sleep.

Hope this helps

gasparama · Post by **gasparama** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 1:42 pm

The Activa has achieved a great seal for me in any position. My local DME told me that he hadn't found any mask that could make such a great seal for a variety of people as the Activa

gasp · Post by **gasp** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 1:54 pm

Have you customized the ComfortGel by using the instructions for boiling for a custom fit?

This greatly reduced leaking for me. However, I still get too much moisture in the mask so use the Mirage Vista.

The Mirage Vista headgear however pushes into the earlobe and is uncomfortable. Otherwise, it's the perfect mask for me. Drat.

This month I will be deciding between the ComfortLite 2 (CL2), the Breeze, and unknown still hunting for : )

Billmanweh · Post by **Billmanweh** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 5:19 pm

I tried boiling my comfort gel mask this afternoon to try and get a better fit. I'll let you know how it works out for me.

sleeplessinaz · Post by **sleeplessinaz** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 9:59 pm

Hi--I also have the comfort Gel but I do use different masks at different times. Right now I am using the Flexifit 407----no leaks and it is much lighter than the gel mask. I also like the OPTI LIFE----with the simple cushion not the nasal prongs. I cannot sleep on my back --I roll round side to side and these are great masks. The Swift II is terrible for side sleepers--leaks like the devil!!! Don't get that one----we are all looking for that perfect mask--- Have fun!!
Carrie

sleepydoll · Post by **sleepydoll** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:01 am

Right now I am using the Nasal air ll...and sometimes the Flexifit 407. I have to admit that the Nasal aire ll is sometimes unstable when tossing and turning lately...i may have to reajust the headgear to maintain it in place better. The flexifit 407 was my first mask...and I still love it because of its lightness and really seals well. I'm a definitte side sleeper...and these 2 are my top ones.
Good luck to you in your search!
D.

pmspostalclk · Post by **pmspostalclk** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:46 am

I just went to the Mirage Micro and I love it. It adjusts with just the turn of a dial. Easily done while still on your face. The only problem I have is that the headgear strap slips up the back of my head, but the mask usually stays sealed. (always searching for the best) pms

gasp · Post by **gasp** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:07 pm

Billmanweh wrote:I tried boiling my comfort gel mask this afternoon to try and get a better fit. I'll let you know how it works out for me.

How did it go? I hope well : )

Billmanweh · Post by **Billmanweh** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:56 pm

gasp wrote:
Billmanweh wrote:I tried boiling my comfort gel mask this afternoon to try and get a better fit. I'll let you know how it works out for me.
How did it go? I hope well : )

I'm so confused. I went to bed last night and noticed that my mask was leaking much less when I moved around and squinched my face, etc. Even to the point where I was able to loosen the straps quite a bit. I went to bed and slept like a baby for 7 1/2 hours. Woke up and felt really good.

I was really excited so I put the smart card in my laptop and my leak numbers were exactly the same as always. I just don't get it. My FLI and SI were WAY down. Like 75% less than what they usually are*. But my leak rate and AHI were the same. In fact, the leak rate is the same as when I had the ill-fitting mask that constantly woke me up whistling and weezing and blowing in my face.

*I should add that I also changed my pressure range a couple of days ago too.

gasp · Post by **gasp** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 9:22 am

I found that a looser Comfort Gel actually performed better. When I had the headgear too tight I found that any facial movement would create a leak. Whereas when the headgear was looser, it allows the mask to 'find' a natural curve resistance on my face and thereby seal again.

Perhaps the increased pressure did contribute to what you described. Makes sense to me - but hey, I'm the first to say that just because this is so doesn't mean much : ))))

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